SUMNER'S “RIGHT GRAND DIVISION.

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44m'

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CROSSING TIIK RIVKU IN PONTOONS TOOISLOlXiK TIIK CONl'KDKUATKSIT A H P-SII (>OTEKS.

Hooker was the ranking general, and as Iunderstood that he was to take command of thewhole fighting line, the putting in of his fresh menbeside mine might make a success. Ilis very corningwas to me, therefore, like the breaking out of the sun in a storm. I rode\ back to meet him, told him wliat had been done, and said, “ I can’tcarry that hill by a front assault; the only chance wo have is to try to getin on the right.” Hooker replied, “ I will talk with Hancock.” He talked withHancock, and after a few minutes said, “Well, Couch , things are in sucha state I must go over and tell Burnside it is no use trying to carry this linehere,”—or words to that effect,— and then he went off. His going awayleft me again iu command. Burnside was nearly two miles distant. Ifwas not much after- 2 o’clock when I10 went away, and it was about Iwhen he returned. This was after Humphreys had made his charge and thefighting for the day was substantially finished. Wo were holding our lines.

Hooker left word that Humphreys, whose division was ready to advance,